Laparoscopic Myomectomy - Uterine Fibroids symptoms and treatment

laparoscopic myomectomy

Women who have fibroids (non-cancerous growths or tumors) and want to have children in the future may be advised to undergo a laparoscopic myomectomy to remove the fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. So, if a woman is experiencing discomfort and wants to conceive, doctors recommend a laparoscopic myomectomy after a thorough evaluation.

The type of myomectomy recommended is determined by the size, location, and the number of fibroids.

 

What is laparoscopic myomectomy?

 

Laparoscopic Myomectomy, also known as Robotic Myomectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids via small abdominal incisions. This could be done automatically. It is less invasive and has a faster recovery time than abdominal myomectomy.

During a myomectomy, the surgeon’s goal is to remove symptom-causing fibroids and reconstruct the uterus. A myomectomy, as opposed to a hysterectomy, removes only the fibroids and leaves your uterus intact. Women who have myomectomy report a reduction in fibroid symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure.

 

What are uterine fibroids?

 

Uterine Fibroids treatment

 

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous uterine growths that typically appear during the childbearing years. These are not linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never progress to cancer.

Fibroids can range in size from tiny seedlings that are difficult to see to large masses that can stretch and enlarge the uterus. A single fibroid or several may be present. In severe cases, multiple fibroids can cause the uterus to enlarge to the point where it touches the rib cage and gain weight.

 

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

 

The symptoms of uterine fibroids differ depending on their size, location in the uterus, and type. They are most commonly found in menstruating women between the ages of 30 and 50. Uterine fibroids are more common in women who begin menstruating before the age of 12. There is no link between birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy used to treat menopause and uterine fibroids. When compared to women with normal blood pressure, certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, may increase the risk of uterine fibroids by 24%.

 

In short, the symptoms are as follows:

  • Heavier-than-normal period that lasts longer than usual.
  • Even if you are menstruating, you may be palpable or even visible if it is large, resembling an early pregnancy.
  • You may experience urinary incontinence or frequent urination, particularly when lying flat.
  • You may be constipated or feel abdominal pressure.
  • Fullness in the abdomen is caused by a rapidly growing fibroid that may become malignant (Cancerous).
  • Painful sexual intercourse, but this is a rare symptom.
  • Infertility
  • Miscarriage

 

Also Read: What size of Uterus Fibroids is dangerous?

 

Who is an ideal candidate for laparoscopic myomectomy surgery?

 

During a myomectomy, the surgeon’s goal is to remove symptom-causing fibroids and reconstruct the uterus.

The type of myomectomy recommended by your doctor is determined by the size and location of your fibroids:

  • If you have numerous or very large fibroids growing in your uterine wall, abdominal myomectomy may be the best option for you.
  • Women with heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure.
  • If you have smaller and fewer fibroids, laparoscopic myomectomy may be preferable.

However, if you have smaller fibroids inside your uterus, a hysteroscopic myomectomy may be preferable.

 

What is the procedure for laparoscopic myomectomy?

 

Laparoscopic myomectomy surgery

 

The procedure begins with anaesthesia, followed by four small incisions made by the surgeon. Each incision in the lower abdomen is about half an inch long. The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas, allowing the surgeon to see inside. Our surgeon then inserts a laparoscope through one of the incisions. A laparoscope is essentially a lighted thin tube with a camera at one end. Small instruments are inserted into the other incision.

In the case of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery, the instruments are controlled remotely with a robotic arm. Our surgeon cuts the fibroids into small pieces in order to remove them from the uterus. If the fibroids are too large in size, an abdominal myomectomy is used, for which large incisions in the abdomen need to be made to remove the fibroids. The fibroids are pushed out through the vaginal or abdominal openings. Following the removal of the fibroids, the surgeon removes the instruments, releases the gas, and closes the incisions.

 

What to expect after the procedure?

 

After the procedure, women need to stay at the hospital for about a day. Following surgery, doctors usually prescribe oral pain medications and advise patients on diet and activities. Depending on the procedure, women can expect staining and vaginal spotting to last anywhere from a few days to six weeks.

It is noteworthy that when compared to other treatments, such as laparotomy, laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which women experience less pain, lose less blood, and can resume normal activity more quickly.

 

What precautions can you take for quicker recovery?

 

Following laparoscopic myomectomy treatment, the patient is advised to follow the following recovery tips:

Our doctor will give you pain medication after the surgery because you are likely to be in pain. It is recommended that the patient refrain from lifting anything heavy until the incision has healed completely.

 

How can you avoid complications post the procedure?

 

Even if you recover in less than a month, it is recommended that you get pregnant 3 to 6 months after the surgery.

Doctors recommend the following preventive measures to minimise the risk of myomectomy surgery:

  • Iron deficiency anaemia can be caused by heavy menstrual periods. Vitamin and iron supplements are used to increase blood count during surgery.
  • GnRH agonist therapy is used to shrink the fibroid, allowing the surgeon to use a minimally invasive approach during surgery. Night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and menopause can all result from this therapy. These issues and discomforts are resolved once the medication is administered.
  • Another method of preventing anaemia and surgical complications is to use hormone therapy. Doctors recommend GnRH, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, birth control pills, and other hormonal medications to reduce or stop menstrual flow. These medications stop menstruation by blocking the production of progesterone and oestrogen, allowing the body to produce haemoglobin and iron stores.

 

How long does it require to recover from laparoscopic myomectomy surgery?

 

The benefit of a laparoscopic myomectomy over open surgery is that you can walk around the next day. You will be able to return to work in 2-3 weeks after surgery.

 

Also Read: Understanding Ovarian Cyst Removal: How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After The Procedure?

 

By when can you start trying for pregnancy after a laparoscopic myomectomy?

 

The surgeon usually advises waiting 6 weeks or more after surgery before having sex. If the patient intends to conceive after the surgery, he or she may need to wait for 3 to 6 months for the uterus to fully heal. This also depends on the type of surgery the patient undergoes.

 

What are the benefits of laparoscopic myomectomy?

 

In comparison to other treatments, laparoscopic myomectomy is regarded as an effective, appropriate, and safe procedure for removing uterine fibroids.

Some of the advantages are as follows:

  • It results in less blood loss during the operation.
  • The treatment is quick, with the patient being discharged within a day.
  • It has a quick recovery time after surgery.

 

Visit our ob-gyne for expert laparoscopic myomectomy procedure

 

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Mustafa Aldam is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in Dubai. His holistic approach to women’s health and reproduction makes him one of the most sought-after and best ObGyne in Dubai. He has handled several complex cases related to uterine fibroid cases and has rendered successful laparoscopic myomectomy treatment to them. He also prescribes steroid medications to stabilise oestrogen levels in the body and shrink fibroids if they do not pose a future threat.

Schedule your appointment for a detailed analysis.